URBAN  LANDSCAPE

PAINTINGS and DRAWINGS by Irek T. Szelag

e-mail  itszelag@szelagart.com     314-427-3006

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The urban landscape according to the definition is an "artistic representation of the physical aspect of a city or urban area in painting".

My idea of urban landscape painting is slightly different than what is represented by other contemporary artists.  Being an artist and working many years in the painting conservation field I am more conservative in composition and acceptation of the subject

Warsaw, Monument of A. Mickiewicz. Drawing, ink and guache on paper

Born and raised in Lodz, a big industrial town in Poland with great late 19th century architecure, I understand the specific character and feel the charm of big, crowded cities. I am looking for subtle balance between architecure, nature and human figures. The most important factor for me is to find a specific and unique climate for every scene using a saturated palette and looking for real colors.

Lodz, Plac Wolnosci (Freedom Square),                 oil on canvas

Lodz, Piotrkowska Street, oil on canvas

Venice, Saint Mark Square at night,               oil on canvas

London, Westminster Bridge, oil on canvas

My favorite town scenes are snowy winter paintings. Living many years in Northern Europe and a devoted skier, I love snow, love every shade of its color in gray or sunny days, love gusty winds which blow clouds of snow flakes to our faces. Colors in these paintings are rich but delicate, trying to capture the shades under the snow; there is no deep contrast between light and shadow.

Venice,  Rio e canale dei Carmini              oil on canvas

London, Saint Martin in the Field,         drawing, ink on paper

St. Louis, Washington University               oil on canvas

St. Louis, Union Station in snow, oil on canvas

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St. Louis, Market Street in winter, oil on canvas